And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

People's New Testament

27:16 Running under a certain island. Getting in the shelter of it. Here they tried to put the ship in better shape for the storm.

Called Clauda. Now named Gozo. It lies a little south of Crete.

Come by the boat. Drew it up on deck. It had been in tow when they set out with the gentle wind.

Wesley's Notes

27:16 We were hardly able to get masters of the boat - To prevent its being staved.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

16, 17. under-the lee of.

a certain-"small"

island . Clauda-southwest of Crete, now called Gonzo; about twenty-three miles to leeward.

we had much work to come by-that is, to hoist up and secure.

the boat-now become necessary. But why was this difficult? Independently of the gale, raging at the time, the boat had been towed between twenty and thirty miles after the gale sprang up, and could scarcely fail to be filled with water [Smith].

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

27:12-20 Those who launch forth on the ocean of this world, with a fair gale, know not what storms they may meet with; and therefore must not easily take it for granted that they have obtained their purpose. Let us never expect to be quite safe till we enter heaven. They saw neither sun nor stars for many days. Thus melancholy sometimes is the condition of the people of God as to their spiritual matters; they walk in darkness, and have no light. See what the wealth of this world is: though coveted as a blessing, the time may come when it will be a burden; not only too heavy to be carried safely, but heavy enough to sink him that has it. The children of this world can be prodigal of their goods for the saving their lives, yet are sparing of them in works of piety and charity, and in suffering for Christ. Any man will rather make shipwreck of his goods than of his life; but many rather make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, than of their goods. The means the sailors used did not succeed; but when sinners give up all hope of saving themselves, they are prepared to understand God's word, and to trust in his mercy through Jesus Christ.